Hitler’s Germany 1929 -1945
How and why was Hitler able to become Chancellor in January 1933?
Impact of Wall Street Crash and Depression in Germany. Growth in support for the Nazis and other extremist parties.
Weimar system of government . Elections of 1930 and 1932. Invitation to lead a coalition government, 1933, reactions
among German people.
How did Hitler change Germany from a democracy to a Nazi dictatorship, 1933–1934, and then reinforce
The Reichstag Fire; the election of March 1933; the Enabling Act. The elimination of political opposition: political
parties, trade unions; the Night of the Long Knives; the death of Hindenburg; Hitler becomes Führer. One party law and
order: SS and Gestapo; concentration camps; propaganda; censorship; the media; control of education; youth
movements; control of the churches. The nature of continuing opposition and resistance in the Third Reich: the White
Rose Movement, the Edelweiss Pirates, the Kreisau Circle, 1939–1944, the Stauffenberg bomb plot, 1944
To what extent did Germans benefit from Nazi rule?
Economic policy, increased employment through public works programmes. Rearmament and conscription; selfsufficiency. Social policy: standards of living; promises to the German people; effects of Nazi policy on the lives of
women; effects on culture. Racial persecution: the Jews and other groups, e.g. gypsies; the Final Solution. The effect of
the war on the civilian population: bombing, rationing and propaganda. The impact of the Second World War on the
German economy.
How and why was Hitler able to become Chancellor in January 1933?
Long and short term weakness of Weimar Republic
Long-term resentment at Weimar Government
Deep anger about the First World War, the November Criminals and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles
created an underlying bitterness and distrust of Weimar Republic, memories of Hyperinflation too and chaos of
1923.
Weakness of Weimar Government
Weaknesses in the Constitution crippled the government. Proportional Representation meant lots of elections.
President could rule by emergency decree but still needed cooperation of German parliament the Reichstag.
Some people in Germany wanted a return to dictatorship days of Bismarck
Economic Depression
After Wall Street Crash of 1929 US called in its loans to Germany, and the German economy collapsed.; 6
million people unemployed millions more affected in families, people starved on the streets. In the crisis,
people wanted someone to blame, and looked to extreme solutions
Weimar Government weak.
From 1930 to 1932 President Hindenburg and Chancellor Bruning governed Germany through emergency
decrees under the terms of the constitution, Article 48. Bruning’s policies were also unpopular he raised
taxes, reduced unemployment benefit and the wages of public officials. June 1932 Bruning replaced by Franz
von Papen.
Strength of Hitler and the Nazis
Financial support - Wealthy businessmen gave Hitler the money to run his propaganda and election
campaigns. Many industrials bankrolled the Nazis as feared Communists coming to power including:
•
Hjalmar Schacht, Head of the Reichsbank, organised fund-raising parties for Hitler.
•
Krupp/Thyssen steel manufacturer
•
Kirdof Mineowner
Propaganda -Nazi propaganda Goebbels, parades, posters, rallies, campaigned for votes “Hitler over
Germany” offered colour excitement and hope.
Policies - Hitler promised most groups something so they supported him. Old age pensions to be increased,
make Germany great again , smash Treaty of Versailles, work for unemployed, help for farmers and small
shopkeepers, reduce Jewish influence, general feeling of hope from chaos.
Attacks on other parties - The SA Brownshirts kept order at Nazi meetings and disrupted opposition
meetings Looked like Weimar Republic was weak on law and order. Some opponents kept quiet simply
because they were scared of being attacked
Personal Qualities - Hitler was a brilliant speaker, and his eyes had a peculiar power over people. He was a
good organiser and politician. His self-belief persuaded people to believe in him.
Appointed by President Hindenburg
In November 1932 elections the Nazis again failed to get a majority of seats in the Reichstag. Their share of
the vote fell – from 230 seats to only 196 although they were still largest party Franz von Papen could not get
enough support in the Reichstag to pass laws. Hindenburg and von Papen were having to govern by
emergency decree under (Article 48). December 1932 Von Papen replaced by von Schleicher , lasted 8
weeks. Von Papen and Hindenburg then took a risk. Hindenburg needed support of Nazi party in Reichstag
to pass laws. On 30 January 1933 Hindenburg made Hitler, Chancellor with von Papen an experienced
moderate politician vice Chancellor. Hindenburg and von Papen thought they could control Hitler. Some
Germans feared what was going to happen next, particularly Socialists and Communists and minority groups,
others were prepared to give Nazis a chance as Germany was in such economic and political chaos.
How did Hitler change Germany from a democracy to a Nazi dictatorship, 1933–
1934, and then reinforce this?
Hitler Becomes Dictator
1
Reichstag Fire - 27 Feb 1933 - The Reichstag (the German Parliament) burned down. A Dutch
Communist named van der Lubbe was caught red-handed with matches and fire-lighting materials. Hitler
used it as an excuse to pass the Law For The Protection of the People and the State this suspended
freedoms of speech, the press, assembly, and allowed enemies of state to be imprisoned without trial. It was
used by the Nazis to arrest many of their Communist opponents, ban their publications and meetings. This
affected their campaigning for March 33 elections The fire was so convenient that many people at the time
claimed that the Nazis had burned it down, and then just blamed the Communists.
2
General Election - 5 March 1933 -Hitler held a general election, appealing to the German people to
give him a clear majority. Only 44% of the people voted Nazi, which did not give him a majority in the
Reichstag. Hitler wanted to make laws without reference to the Reichstag or President Hindenburg as
Germany was in such crisis. Hindenburg would only agree if passed by 2/3 majority in Reichstag.
3
Enabling Act - 23 March 1933 The Reichstag voted to give Hitler the power to make his own laws
without consulting the Reichstag or the approval of President Hindenburg for four years.
Law passed in the Opera House in an atmosphere of intimidation. Communist party members were banned,
others were threatened or offered bribes. Only the SDP voted against the law. 100 members were absent.
444 votes were in favour 94 against
4
Local Government Control The Nazis took over local government and the police establishing a
network of loyal officials, Gauleiters in charge of each region. The Nazis started to replace anti-Nazi teachers
and University professors.
5
Gestapo and concentration camps Hitler set up the Gestapo (the secret police) under control of
Heinrich Himmler and encouraged Germans to report opponents and 'grumblers'. Tens of thousands of
Jews, Communists, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, gypsies, homosexuals, alcoholics and prostitutes were
arrested and sent to concentration camps for 'crimes' as small as writing anti-Nazi graffiti, possessing a
banned book, or saying that business was bad.
5
Trade Unions banned - 2 May 1933 The Trade Unions offices were closed, their money confiscated,
and their leaders put in prison. In their place, Hitler put the German Labour Front a Nazi organisation which
reduced workers' pay and took away the right to strike.
6
Opposition banned - 14 July 1933 Reichstag dissolved and The Law against the Formation of Parties
declared the Nazi Party the only political party in Germany. All other parties were banned, and their leaders
were put in prison.
7
Night of the Long Knives - 30 June 1934 The SA were the thugs who Hitler had used to help him
come to power. They had defended his meetings, and attacked opponents. By 1934 there were more than a
million of them. Hitler was in power in 1934, and there was no opposition left - the SA were an embarrassment,
not an advantage. The regular army distrusted them Also, Rohm, the leader of the SA, was talking about a
Socialist revolution and about taking over the army. On the night of 30 June 1934 - codeword 'Hummingbird Hitler ordered the SS to arrest kill more than 400 SA men and other opponents of the Nazis
8
Fuhrer - 19 August 1934 When Hindenburg died, Hitler took over the office of President and leader of
the army (the soldiers had to swear to die for Adolf Hitler personally). Hitler called himself 'Fuhrer'.
Control of Germany
Propaganda
The German people were subjected to continual propaganda, under the control of Josef Goebbels in the
Ministry For Propaganda and Enlightenment. Cult of personality - everything was organised to make Germans
permanently grateful to Adolf Hitler. Germans were made to feel part of a great and successful movement.
1936 Olympic Games were used to demonstrate Nazi efficiency, organisation and success. Posters, Rallies
–eg at Nuremburg, radios in peoples’ homes , shops and cafes. Film industry produced comedies adventures
and romances with underlying messages. Actors had to join Reich Chamber of Culture. Music had to be
German composers like Wagner Beethoven and Mozart were promoted. Work of Jewish composers was
banned eg Mendelssohn
Nazi Police State
SS grew out from being Hitler’s elite bodyguard to a huge organisation. Led by Heinrich Himmler. Main
responsibilities carrying out racial policies and destroying opposition to the Nazis. Death’s Heads units were
responsible for running concentration camps.
Gestapo (Secret Police) aimed to eliminate any opposition to the Nazis. Under command of Reinhard
Heydrich they could search houses, arrest people on suspicion of speaking out against Nazis and send them
to concentration camps without trial. They were in plain clothes and would also use informers, open mail and
listen in to phone calls.
Police and courts Top jobs in local police forces were given to high ranking Nazis reporting to Himmler .
Magistrates and judges were controlled by the Nazis
Concentration camps Set up almost as soon as Hilter came to power for opponents of Nazi regime. Initially
makeshift prisons in disused factories and warehouses. First purpose built camp at Dachau. Camps usually in
isolated areas. Run by SS Deaths Head Units. Inmates forced to do hard labour and food limited. By lates 30s
deaths became more common from brutal treatment
Suspicion and distrust
Nazis encouraged climate of distrust where nobody ever criticised government or Hitler or even said business
was bad. Control through block/staircase rulers. Children encouraged to report parents. Speak through a
flower always say nice positive things
Nazis and control of Young People
Schools
The Nazis replaced anti-Nazi teachers and University professors with loyal Nazis
School lessons were changed to indoctrinate children in Nazi beliefs and prepare boys and girls for their
different roles in adulthood. History- the unfairness of Versailles, Biology Nazi race theory, Maths questions
based on how much money wasted by feeding mentally ill people in hospital, Physics questions calculating
trajectory of missiles. Girls also focussed on subjects preparing them for motherhood and childcare cooking,
health and beauty. Ten Reichsfuhrer schools for best pupils
Youth Movements
German boys and girls were encouraged to attend the Hitler Youth, which mixed exciting activities, and Nazi
indoctrination. After 1936 it became virtually compulsory for boys and girls over 10
Boys aged 6 - 10 years joined the Little Fellows (Pimpf). They did mainly outdoor sports type activities such as
hiking, rambling and camping. 10 - 13 years joined the German Young People (Deutsche Jungvolk). They still
did sporting activities but these had a more military emphasis such as parading and marching as well as map
reading. They also learnt about Nazi views on racial purity and anti-semitism.
Boys aged 14 - 18 years joined the Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend). They were prepared to be soldiers by doing
military activities.
Girls aged 10 - 14 years joined the Young Maidens (Jungmadel) where they were taught good health practices
as well as how to become good mothers and housewives. They also learnt about Nazi views on racial purity
and anti-semitism. Girls aged 14 - 21 joined the League of German Maidens (Deutscher Madel) where they
were further prepared for their roles as the mother of future Germans.
Workers
Trade Unions banned May 1933. Offices closed, their money confiscated, and their leaders put in prison. In
their place, Hitler put the German Labour Front which reduced workers' pay and took away the right to strike.
The National Labour Service sent men on public works programmes. To keep the workers happy, the Nazis
set up the Strength through Joy movement, which offered good workers picnics, free trips to the cinema and
(for the very few) free holidays.
Church Religion
Hitler signed a Concordat with the Pope in 1933 agreeing to leave the Roman Catholic Church alone if it
stayed out of politics - so most Catholics were happy to accept the Nazi regime.
Nazis tried to bring Protestants together under a Reich Church orderd copy of Mein Kampf placed on alter and
only Nazi approved ministers allowed to speak. – Many Church Ministers who opposed this and broke away
and formed own Confessional Church – eg Martin Niemoller sent to concentration camps.
Nazis set up pagan style alternative to Christianity called German Faith movement
Opposition in Nazi Germany
Opposition to Nazi rule within Germany did exist, at civilian, church and military levels. None was successful
and it is difficult to know the true extent of it. However, the consequences for those caught opposing Hitler
were severe.
In 1937, the Edelweiss Pirates (Edelweisspiraten) movement started in the Rhineland predominantly working
class young male youths and they helped victims of the Nazi regime. They set up areas in towns where
members of the Hitler Youth were not welcomed. Male youths from more wealthy backgrounds set up ‘swing
movements’ that had the same ideas and could be found in large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and
Dresden. Certain aspects of their life set them apart from what the Nazi regime required of the youth. They
wore what might be described as bohemian clothing in direct contrast to the uniform of the Hitler Youth. They
sang what were deemed to be ‘un-German’ songs such as banned blues and jazz tunes. Their basic approach
was to take a stand against what Nazi Germany stood for.
The White Rose Movement
The White Rose movement was made up of students who attended Munich University. Its most famous
members were Hans and Sophie Scholl. Members of the White Rose movement clandestinely distributed antiNazi and anti-war leaflets and it was while they were in the process of doing this that they were caught put on
trial and executed
Swing Kids (also known as Swing Youth, were a group of jazz and swing lovers in Germany in the 1930s,
mainly in Hamburg and Berlin. They were composed of 14 to 18-year-old boys and girls in high school, most of
them middle or upper-class students, but with some apprentice workers as well.[1] They admired the British
and American way of life, defining themselves in swing music and opposing the National-Socialist ideology
especially Hitler Youth
The Kreisau Circle
Name given to a group of men who opposed the Nazis. The Kreisau Circle got its name from the fact that the
men in it frequently met at an estate in Kreisau that was owned by one of the men in it – Helmuth James Graf
von Moltke. All members of the Kreisau Circle believed that they needed to plan for Germany’s future and
removal of Hitler from power and the destruction of the Nazi Party.
July bomb plot refers to the attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler, inside his Wolf's Lair field headquarters near
Rastenburg, East Prussia by leading figures in Germany’s military including Field Marshal Rommel. The
primary purpose of the assassination attempt was to seize political control of Germany and its armed forces
from the Nazi Party (including the SS) in order to obtain peace with the western Allies as soon as possible.
Key figure was Count Claus von Stauffenberg as he had actual contact with Hitler on a regular basis and he
could get into the Wolf's Lair with few problems. During a meeting he left a briefcase with a bomb inside the
room
Just before the bomb was due to explode, an officer attending the briefing had moved the briefcase to the
other side of the table support chosen by Stauffenberg as the ideal place to put the bomb. Therefore, the blast
was directed away from Hitler who survived with his clothes singed, a cut to his hand and damaged ear drums.
Leaders of plot including Stauffenberg arrested and executed Rommel given option of taking suicide pill
To what extent did the Germans benefit from Nazi rule?
Economy
Intially overall control of economy under control of Hjalmar Schacht. First four year plan 1933 to cure
unemployment and help farmers
Workers National Labour Service set up for young men 18-25 digging ditches planting forests, public work
schemes, autobahns, hospitals, schools sports stadiums. Work uniforms and live in camps with just basic
copvering of expenses rather than wages. Rearmament schemes and conscription provided work
Women forced out of work. Increasing numbers of Jews forced out of work too
Second four year plan in 1936 under Goering aimed to make Germany as self sufficient as possible,
(autarchy) Increase production of raw materials coal oil and iron ore. Synthetic raw materials rubber fuel and
textiles developed. Get Germany ready for war. Plan partially successful in increasing production of raw
materials and weapons production but by 1939 still a 1/3 products imported. Schacht resigned in 1937
opposed to armaments expenditure regardless of consequences for economy . Replaced by Walther Funk
completely under Goerings thumb.
Workers
Forced to be members of German Labour Front (DAF) run by Dr Robert Ley. No limit to working hours and
strikes made illegal. Wages rose slowly. Industries related to rearmament did see higher wages 38-39 as
pressure mounted to meet targets. Beauty of Work (SdA) set up to encourage people to be proud of their
work.
Strength Through Joy
Branch of German Labour Front organised leisure activities so free time was not wasted Cheap holidays
including for some Mediterranean cruises incentive to work hard. Plan to build VW savings schemes
established. Prora holiday resort. Heavy drinking discouraged
Women
The Nazis were very male-dominated and anti-feminist. Nazi philosophy idealised the role of women as
child-bearer and creator of the family: Kinder Kirche Kucher Children Church and Kitchen
The Law for the Encouragement of Marriage gave newly-wed couples a loan of 1000 marks, and allowed them
to keep 250 marks for each child they had. Had to be racially pure and free from birth defects. Mothers who
had more than 8 children were given a gold medal. Lebensborn programme for single mothers
Job-discrimination against women was encouraged. Women doctors, teachers and civil servants were forced
to give up their careers. Dieing of hair,make up and perms discouraged, as was dieting. Birth rate increased in
1930s. Towards end of 30s Nazis needed more women workers as supply of unemployed dried up. Women
never recruited into armed serices support roles as in allied countries.
Culture
Reich Chamber of Culture all musicians actors writers and artists had to be members and had to show support
for Nazis.
Music had to be German Wagner Beethoven Mozart (Austrian) Nazi architecture based on Roanmn styles
Art realistic and heroic Books not approved of bunred in 1933 Jewish composers banned as was Jazz for
black origins
Racial Groups
The Nazi regime despised many groups it thought were racially or socially inferior (untermensch = subhuman)
- people they called the 'germs of destruction'. Many laws were p[assed discriminating against Jews. Also
crude propaganda encouraged children and adults to hate Jews.
Jews
One day boycott of Jewish shops April 1933
Burning of books by Jewish authors. May 1933
Nuremburg laws Jews forbidden to marry or have sexual relations with Aryans September 1935
Jews not allowed to be citizens of Germany September 1935
Synagogues and Jewish businesses and homes attacked in “Kristallnacht” November 1938
which followed murder of Nazi official in Paris. Thousands of male jews arrested and nearly a 100 killed
Collective fine on all Jews Jews forced to clean streets
Jewish children forbidden to attend German schools
Jews banned from many public areas in Berlin in December 1938
Gypsies, were treated as badly as the Jews -.
Physically and mentally disabled people and families with hereditary illness were sterilized
Beggars, Jehovahs Witnesses, homosexuals, prostitutes, alcoholics, pacifists, hooligans and
criminals were also regarded as anti-social, and they were put in concentration camps.
Germany’s expansion in Second World War brought more Jews under their control. Jews were herded into
Ghettos in cities or put into work camps. SS special action groups ( Einsatzgruppen) rounded up Jews to
shoot. However this proved too inefficient and too distressing for soldiers involved. Wansee Conference 1942
decision made for Final Solution of Jewish question. Decision made to set up extermination camps in remote
areas of Eastern Europe such as Auschwitz and Treblinka. Jews were worked to death or sent to gas
chambers. Around 6,000,000 were killed in total.
Impact of the Second World War
Food rationing began in 1939 and clothes rationing followed in November 1939. From 1939 to 1941 Germany
in control of most of western and eastern Europe so supplies of goods flowed into Germany.
Following invasion of USSR in 1941 initial successes expanded German territory even more. However, form
1942 tide began to turn against Germany. German lives became increasingly disrupted. Had to cut back on
heating, work longer hours. Goebbels encouraged ordinary people to contribute to war effort 1.5 million fur
coats collected to send to troops on Eastern Front
Women drafted into labour force in increasing numbers. Country areas received increasing number of
evacuees as bombing of German cities increased.
Bombing of German cities
From 1942 onwards Allies began all out bombing of German industrial and residential areas. Objectives were
to cripple German industry lower morale of civilians and to terrorise them into submission around 500,000
civilians were killed. Cities like Hamburg Berlin and Dresden suffered terrible destruction .